Djokovic vs. Del Potro Preview

It is matches like this which really make Grand Slam tennis special.
We are only approaching the third round stage of the French Open and already we have a contest on the cards which could be likened to a World Heavyweight title bout.
And the regular ‘comeback kid’ theme of boxing can certainly be applied in this instance to Juan Martin Del Potro, who will be aiming to fully rediscover his masterful touch after a process of recovery to ultimately knock out the apparently unbeatable Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian’s incredible run now stands at 41-0 – and he will conquer Guillermo Vilas’s 46 match streak if he is successful in lifting the Roland Garros title.
And Djokovic will undoubtedly feel a lot closer to both of those achievements if he can find a way past former US Open winner Del Potro, who he was arguably on a level playing field with before the Argentine suffered a damaging wrist injury at the back end of 2010.
After playing his way back into form throughout 2011 and surging back up the World Rankings to No.25, Del Potro may now feel that his time has come once again, as he has the chance to revel in the limelight on Court Philippe Chatrier and possibly make headlines on a par with his Flushing Meadows triumph if he can halt the man from Belgrade.
Looking ahead to the tie, Del Potro said:
“Djokovic is the best player this season, he’s trying to beat a record, but I need to stop thinking about it to avoid any additional pressure. I am trying to improve my movement and to build physically and mentally because the way you feel in your head is very important.”
With Del Potro still working his way back to optimum fitness and top form, Djokovic could well prove to be too strong if the 22-year old is not feeling sharp.
However, the Tandil born star has so much class and ability that a thrilling battle is surely the most likely outcome no matter who comes out on top.
It will take a superhuman effort from Del Potro it he is to oust the man who everyone is talking about.
Although this probably seems a little too much to ask, it is fair to expect an enthralling joust on the Paris clay that could well go the distance.